Good morning, Akron.

Akron area high school football teams will begin their 2025 season this weekend, with Garfield playing Southeast on Aug.

21 and other teams starting a full slate of games on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.—Coverage of the matchups will continue throughout the week.

Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations for the Cleveland Guardians, will speak at the Akron RubberDucks’ 2026 Hot Stove Banquet at Hilton Garden Inn in Akron on January 23 and will join a program that includes cocktails (starting at 4:30 p.m.), dinner (at 6:30 p.m.) and a Q&A session led by WAKR’s Ray Horner.

UX + PMI Summer Social

5:30-7:30 p.m. — BrewWall — Attendees responsible for their own tab — Enjoy a casual summer social with food, drinks, and networking opportunities for UX enthusiasts.

Akron Speed Dating Event for Ages 35-54

7-9 p.m. — BARMACY Bar & Grill — Ticket required — Experience the thrill of meeting potential matches in a fun and friendly environment.

Enchanted Realm Bookish Ball 2025

6-11:30 p.m. — Greystone — Ticketed event — Dive into a literary fantasy at this magical evening of books, dancing, and enchantment.

Mix-It-Up Mondays

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Northwest Family Recreation — Free entry — A fun-filled day of crafts, music, and playful activities for tots and their caregivers.

Akron Speed Dating for Singles in Their 40s and 50s

7-9 p.m. — P.F. Chang's — Ticket required — Make meaningful connections with local singles through fast-paced, fun conversations.

Nature Rx | Mindfulness Walk

8-9 a.m. — Hardesty Park — Free entry — Start your day with a gentle mindfulness walk and connect with nature in Akron's beautiful park.

Live Music with Aaron Stanley

6:30 – 9:00 PM — Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy outdoor live music and refreshing drinks at the winery's backyard bar.

Akron's Bearded Gang Fundraiser for Youth Basketball

3:00 PM — Mercedes Neighborhood Tavern — $10 at the door — Help support West Akron youth basketball with a special performance by Melrose Eve!

3rd Annual Live. Love. Thrive. 5K Run & 2.5K Walk

12:30-2:30 p.m. — 521 S River Rd, Munroe Falls, OH — Registration fees apply — Participate in a community-focused run and walk on Labor Day to support healthy living.

Irish Jam Session

6:30-9:00 p.m. — The Rialto Theatre — Free entry — Experience an evening filled with Irish music and camaraderie at Akron's premier live music venue.